iPad is an investment, take care of it

The iPad is an incredibly popular device, and companies of all sizes have adopted these, or similar tablets, as the go-to-mobile device. Despite being a huge commercial success, the iPad is a fairly large investment for most small businesses, and if something happens to a device, it can be costly to fix. Because of this, it’s important that you take steps to look after your investment.

Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the most out of your device, and will be able to use it for years to come.

Take care of your Retina
The screen and display on the iPad and other devices are things of beauty, however they are slightly fragile. Drop it or scratch it and your flashy device could be rendered useless. You should know that the iPad, and all mobile devices’ screens are made of glass, so it is obviously likely to break if dropped from a height. It goes without saying: be careful not to drop it.

The screen also has an oleophobic coating on it, this means it doesn’t like oil and should, in theory, repel fingerprints. Anyone that’s used the iPad knows this isn’t truly the case, fingerprints will still be left on the screen. They do wipe off easily though and you can clean the screen with a lint-free cloth. If you wear eyeglasses, the cloth you use to clean them will work well.

If you’re worried about scratches, or small nicks you could buy a screen protector – a thin, transparent film that goes on top of screens to protect them. Some films also have oleophobic coating, and are matte or completely transparent. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to apply them, as poorly applied protectors can detract from user experience.

Long lasting batteries
The batteries in most mobile devices, the iPad included, are lithium based, which makes them rechargable. While they are rechargeable, you will notice that over time the charge doesn’t last as long. To extend the life of your batteries you should ensure to keep your apps up-to-date as developers will often tweak power consumption of their apps. Beyond that, you should complete a full cycle of the battery at least once a month. This means charging the battery to 100% and using the device until the battery dies, then charging to 100% again.

Environmental care
Electronics can be extremely sensitive to the surrounding environment. Prolonged use in extreme temperatures (higher than 95 degrees fahrenheit/35 celsius; lower than 32 fahrenheit/0 celsius) could damage internal circuits along with the display and battery. Similarly, humid environments or water can cause problems, so best to keep your device away from damp or wet conditions. If your device does get wet, don’t use heating elements like the microwave or hair dryers to dry it (common sense, we know, but it has been heard of before!).

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to be careful with peripherals. That cheap power cord/charger you bought off ebay may actually have pieces that can break the connectors/ports of your device. If it’s not a popular name brand, better steer clear of it.

Use a “crash helmet” for your device
When riding a bike, it’s important to wear a helmet to protect your head in case you fall. The same can be said for your iPad, and you should have a protective case, cover or folio to protect the device from bumps, drops and daily use.

Smooth operator
A brand new iPad is a smooth machine, where navigation is snappy, and loading apps is super speedy. Over time however, your iPad will slow down as you install more apps or put more information and data on it. To ensure the experience stays smooth, it’s a good idea to periodically review your apps and delete ones you don’t use anymore. You can also transfer pictures and media to your computer or the cloud to free up even more space. If you’re iPad is still really slow, a factory reset could also help. Be warned, you will loose all your data, so backup first.

Extended warranty? We don’t need no extended warranty
It may seem like the extended warranty that you can purchase for your mobile devices is an unnecessary and costly addition to add on to the purchase of the device. While it does undoubtedly add to the cost of the device,it does mean that if your iPad stops working you can get Apple to replace it, or at least cover the repairs. It’s a good idea for businesses to pursue this option as it can extend the life of a device while minimizing upkeep costs.

These are just a few ways you can ensure your iPad or other mobile device will last longer. Do you have any other things you do to extend the life of your device? Let us know. If you’d like to learn more about how to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device, please contact us.